Il Covo dei Briganti

Happenstance to dine in this amazing restaurant- and so glad I found it. My meal was piping hot, and simply the best pasta so far on my trip in Italy- and believe me, I’ve had quite a bit of pasta! Flavours are rich and beautifully combined- they linger, are incredibly fresh and pair well with wine. You’ll ask yourself, “How do they do it?” The owner is so personable and kind, amazing staff- a highlight of my trip for sure! Don’t miss this one!

I have been to Italy dozens of times, and have Italian citizenship. Italian restaurants always leave you alone even after it is time to pay the bill. We had an incredible meal at this restaurant. The bruschette was to die for, so was the taglietelle. The pork shank was out of this world. And this is where it becomes unique. We could not finish our meal. For the first time in fifty years of dining in Italy, the waiter came up before we finished and while we were staring at the remaining food, and he asked, "So, do you surrender?" We laughed. But the point is that as good as the food at this restaurant is, it is also inexpensive because the servings are huge. You will spend next to nothing for a great meal.

We went inside to get shelter from heavy rain without knowing anything about the restaurant. The food was excellent and for a fair price. The service was amazing too, both ladies were very polite and helpful. All praise to the chef as well.

Strolling into Il Covo dei Briganti felt like unearthing a time capsule—except instead of gold coins, it’s filled with old tools, crates, and an impressive knack for mixing rustic charm with culinary magic. It’s not every day you find a restaurant that looks like it moonlights as a blacksmith’s workshop but manages to have the sound system of a top-tier nightclub. Talk about priorities! We kicked off our culinary adventure with a glass of Affligem beer from the tap—crisp, refreshing, and exactly what you need after exploring Arezzo. Then came the star-studded food lineup. First up, **focaccia fritta with stracchino and prosciutto cotto**, which was essentially a cloud of fried perfection, lovingly stuffed with creamy cheese and delicate ham. Next, the **macaroni aretini with duck sauce** was so rich and flavorful, we briefly considered adopting duck-based diets. And the **tortello con ripieno di patate viole with sausage juice**? Let’s just say if purple potatoes were as cool in childhood as they are in this dish, we’d have had much more enthusiastic veggie days. The staff deserves a standing ovation—not just for their stellar service, but for the owner’s warm, personal touch, chatting up every guest like we’re long-lost friends. The combination of hearty food, welcoming vibes, and a decor that doubles as a conversation starter made for an unforgettable experience. Final thoughts? Il Covo dei Briganti is less of a restaurant and more of a lucky discovery. If you’re in Arezzo and miss this spot, you're doing it wrong.

Had a very enjoyable lunch in a hot day. We took a portion of “pici con aglione” wich it’s a special kind of garlic, and a fresh starter with vegetables. The pici sauce was delicious, if you like garlic. The Sicilian girl was also very nice and welcoming. Highly recommend if you pass to the city center of Arezzo

We went inside to get shelter from heavy rain without knowing anything about the restaurant. The food was excellent and for a fair price. The service was amazing too, both ladies were very polite and helpful. All praise to the chef as well.